11 September 2025 

SDLP Policing Board member Colin McGrath MLA has said that repeated reports of police officers engaging in inappropriate and predatory behaviour demonstrates the urgent need for cultural change within the PSNI.

Mr McGrath was speaking after it was confirmed that an officer received a final written warning following a Police Ombudsman investigation into a relationship with a domestic abuse victim he met while on duty.

South Down MLA Mr McGrath said:

“Yet again we are confronted with deeply concerning behaviour by a police officer, this time involving a vulnerable victim of domestic abuse. While the incident dates back a number of years, it is part of a disturbing pattern of cases that continue to emerge.

“While most officers would never engage in this type of conduct, there have been far too many such incidents. These can no longer be treated as isolated cases - PSNI leadership must accept there is a cultural problem within the organisation that has allowed this behaviour to persist.

“I will be seeking clear assurances from the Chief Constable that this culture is being addressed, that robust safeguards are in place to protect victims, and that officers who abuse their position of power are held fully accountable.

“At a time when we are calling for action to tackle violence against women and girls, this risks further damaging public trust in policing. Victims of domestic and sexual abuse already face huge barriers when coming forward to police, cases like this will only make that harder.”